Nestled at the head of Kenmare Bay – where the world-famous Ring of Kerry links with the wild and rugged Ring of Beara – the picturesque heritage town of Kenmare wholly deserves its reputation as one of Ireland’s leading holiday destinations. Amid the breath-taking scenery, great gourmet restaurants, lively pubs and charming boutiques, Kenmare truly has it all. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, on offer are an endless array of outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, golf, horse riding, kayaking and fishing and so much more. Foodies too are in for a treat, as Kenmare has become a top-notch gastronomic destination. Linger over long leisurely lunches of fresh seafood in some of the town’s best restaurants, including Mulcahy’s, Anois and The Horseshoe. In the evenings, catch some live Irish music in one of the lively traditional pubs as you sip of your tipple of choice.
Not only is Kenmare a fantastic and vibrant destination in its own right, but it’s also a perfectly positioned base from which to discover the South West of Ireland. The town itself lies on the Ring of Kerry, which follows the dramatic coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, and is without question one of the most spectacularly scenic drives in Western Europe. Kenmare Coastal Holiday Cottages are located within easy-walking distance of the town of Kenmare, making the cottages the perfect location from which to experience everything that Ireland’s South West has to offer.
Come visit! A warm welcome is guaranteed.
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The Kerry Way
TO DO
The hills and mountains around Kenmare offer a wide array of staggeringly scenic walks. One of our favourites is the Old Kenmare Road (which forms part of The Kerry Way) which is an inland route passing through the Windy Gap and Killarney National Park, amid dramatic glens, windswept moorlands, waterfalls, and lakes. Other favourites include the one-hour loop walk by the Holy Well near Blackwater Pier, and also the delightful amble from Galway’s Bridge to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, with its lovely café.
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Star Outdoors Adventure Centre
TO DO
For kids, grown-ups and families, Star Outdoors truly caters for all. “Whether you are an avid sailor, skilled mountaineer, a seasoned canoeist, or a beginner looking for a new hobby, Star Outdoors has something for you!” Water and land-based activities include Kayaking, Sailing, Pedal Boats, Waterskiing & Wakeboarding, Wildlife Cruise Trips, Archery, Orienteering, Paintballing and much more. And the best part – your kids will be so exhausted at the end of a fun-filled day, they will fall fast asleep at bedtime!
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Helen’s Bar, Killmackillogue Pier
TO EAT
The pub food at Helen’s Bar is excellent – effectively the catch of the day – and the atmosphere and ambiance here on a summer’s day is glorious. Groups of friends and families gather, sitting out on the pier watching the boats come and go. Sit outside, order the Kenmare Bay Mussels with a Guinness and prepare to linger over a lovely leisurely lunch on this picture-perfect harbour. The pub is open throughout the summer months but best to phone ahead in advance to check from October onward.
Phone: (064) 668 3104
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Dereen Gardens
TO SEE
Dereen Gardens, located at Lauragh, the magnificent waterside estate is full of unusual shrubs, trees and plants. There are numerous named walks to explore with subtropical vegetation all around and beautiful views at every turn. There’s also a teashop to relax in after your exertions. Kilmackalogue Harbour is en route and a great place to stop for a fresh seafood lunch.
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Kenmare Farmers’ Market
TO DO
Every Wednesday a local farmers’ market takes place in Kenmare square from 9am – 3pm. There is a lovely mix of stalls offering fresh local fare; including home-baked bread, beeswax products, local cheeses and a fine array of fresh fish and cured meats. Stock up on scrumptious artisan food and create your very own locally-sourced tapas platter.
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Beaches
TO SEE
There are lots of sandy coves and beautiful beaches near Kenmare. If you’re in the mood to stroll along a deserted sandy beach or simply want to let the kids run wild and build sandcastles, two of the best beaches are Castlecove or Derrynane. The latter is a 30 minute drive along the Ring of Kerry, but well worth it. When there make sure to pop into Bridie Keatings, a traditional old-style pub located just behind the beach. Keating’s pub serves good-fashioned pub grub – soup, sandwiches, and of course stout – all very appealing after a long day of sun, sea and sand.
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Artisan Chocolate
TO EAT
Award winning French chef, Benoit Lorge, creates sensational handmade gourmet chocolates in the village of Bonane, just 5 Km from Kenmare. Le Chocolat Shop stocks his full range of scrumptious truffles, bonbons, almond bites and nougat. Perfect for presents (…especially for oneself).
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Golf
TO DO
You will find some of the world’s most challenging and scenic golf courses in Southwest Ireland. There are two beautiful 18-hole courses in Kenmare and both within a five minute drive of Kenmare Coastal Holiday Cottages. Kenmare Golf Club has fairways that run down to the shores of Kenmare Bay. The ‘Inner 8’ loop of holes are perfect for beginners while still challenging for the seasoned golfer. The Ring of Kerry Golf and Country Club a few minutes drives from the cottages on the Sneem Road enjoys a spectacular position, high above Kenmare Bay. The terrace of the clubhouse’s Greens Restaurant is a lovely place to savour the scenery. Both clubs welcome non-members and golf clubs are available to hire.
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Rinn na Gcros Park
TO SEE
Rinn na Gcros Park was laid out as an idyllic oak island just 3 minutes from town by Lord Lansdowne in the early 1900s. It’s a beautiful walk by the water that leads you out into the middle of the Roughty River with beautiful views out across the bay. It is the perfect place for kids to run wild in, lots of hidden paths, tunnels created by rhododendrons, little hills to climb and most exciting of all, a bat sanctuary.